Letters from the new pastor- Over and over again.
"By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
Luke 1:78-79 NRSV
The words above are from the priest, Zechariah-husband to Elizabeth, father to John, uncle to Jesus. He's talking about how his son will be a prophet- to exclaim the salvation of the coming Messiah, his nephew. He's actually prophesying himself, of how his son, John, would pave the pathway to usher in the rescue of Christ- using Psalm 23 language (shadow of death) and Kingdom of God promise (peace).
Every year- Christmas- Advent- Christ. Over and over again.
This week, I'm reflecting much on what the Christ brings and promises- I'm listening to Christmas music, both new and old, over and over again- a playlist with obvious preference. We’ve been going to see Christmas lights- and I'll always have my favorite (the manger scene that looks like two dinosaurs fighting over a table saw). I'll preach of the promise of Jesus again on Christmas Eve- and we'll prep the house for Santa and a day filled with family, presents, mess and dirty dishes.
Over and over again.
And it won’t get old- or tired. Because by the tender mercy of God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. That is my prayer, again and again, that we would be guided into the way of peace.
As 2020 nears an end, may we emerge and enter a new year with a Christmas hope- for peace, for light, for hope- may we, again and again, over and over, allow the dawn of God to break upon us- take on his light, and get ourselves out of the way.
And even though I know we will be annoyed, frustrated, fatigued... I pray fervently that we do not lose hope. His newness and light can not only coexist with our sadness and fatigue- his light can overshadow our dark nights- over and over again.
Yes and Amen.
